Atletico Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to three points over Real Madrid and five over FC Barcelona after Sunday’s round of matches.
While Barcelona didn’t play after Saturday’s Copa del Rey success over Athletic Club Bilbao, Real Madrid was held to a 0-0 draw in Getafe, while Atletico cruised to a 5-0 win over bottom of the table Eibar.
The game was decided by two goals in two minutes just before halftime by Atletico striker Angel Correa, who poked home twice from close range following successive corners in the 42nd and 44th minutes to break the deadlock.
Eibar never recovered from the double blow and Yannick Carrasco added a third in the 49th minute after rounding the keeper and fit-again Marcos Llorente swept home a fourth soon thereafter.
Llorente netted his second of the game after a pass from Carrasco to calm nerves at Atletico and further deepen Eibar’s problems.
Zinedine Zidane made a host of changes for Real Madrid’s visit to Getafe, with Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema all rested, while Fede Valverde had to drop out of the squad after being in contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19. That meant B-team defender Victor Chust started along with Isco, Rodrygo, Marcelo, Marco Asensio, and Mariano Diaz.
With so many changes Zidane’s side never found a rhythm and lost possession far too often. Jaime Mata hit the post for Getafe, while Madrid also lacked bite in attack as their injuries and busy fixture calendar began to take their toll.
Two excellent saves from Thibaut Courtois kept the score 0-0 as the second half progressed and although they now slip to three points behind Atletico Madrid, Real should view this as a point gained rather than two points lost.
Sevilla strengthened their case to be considered title contenders with a 2-1 win away to Real Sociedad, in a result that is a blow for the home side’s European hopes.
Former Sevilla striker Carlos Fernandez put Real Sociedad in front in the fifth minute, but Sevilla overturned that score in an impressive first half.
Youssef En Nesyri hit the post before Fernando Reges scored from close range after Jesus Navas’ ball from the right in the 21st minute and two minutes later En-Nesyri put Sevilla ahead, pouncing on the loose ball after Alex Remiro had parried Lucas Ocampos’ shot onto the woodwork.
En-Neysri hit the post again before the break as Sevilla continued to dominate and Julen Lopetegui’s side controlled the game perfectly in the second half to leave Real Sociedad with no way-back.
